Duke Ellington - Actor Profile

Duke Ellington

Acting
Freshness: Jan 20, 2026
50Total Films
8.0 Highest Rated
Born: Apr 29, 1899
Birth Place: Washington, District of Columbia, USA

About Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life. Born in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Duke Ellington reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Music

The majority of Duke Ellington's filmography leans towards the Music genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 34% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Duke Ellington remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Bli-Blip, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Duke Ellington Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Duke Ellington's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Duke Ellington.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2024 Steve e il Duca Self (archival) Flop Similar →
2022 Charlie Parker: Bird Songs Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2021 Duke Ellington in Isfahan Self (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2019 The Apollo Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2019 The Green Book: Guide to Freedom Self - Musician (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2018 The Jazz Ambassadors Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2014 Duke Ellington & Sarah Vaughan Live At The Berlin Philharmonic Hall 1989 Self Flop Similar →
2008 Jazz Evolution Self - Piano Average Similar →
2007 Jazz Icons: Duke Ellington Live in '58 Self - Piano Flop Similar →
2007 Alice Babs - Swing It! Himself (archive footage) Flop Similar →
2005 Billie Holiday: The Ultimate Collection Himself Flop Similar →
2004 The Story Of The Blues Self Flop Similar →
2004 The Harlem Renaissance Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
2004 Improvisation Self Flop Similar →
2003 Duke Ellington: Live At The Tivoli Gardens Self Flop Similar →
2003 Piano Blues Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2002 It's Black Entertainment Self (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2000 Duke Ellington & His Orchestra 1929-1943 Self Flop Similar →
1991 The Lou Rawls Show with Duke Ellington Self Flop Similar →
1987 Moments without Proper Names Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1974 On the Road with Duke Ellington Self Flop Similar →
1966 Duke Ellington at the Côte d'Azur with Ella Fitzgerald and Joan Miro Self Super Hit Similar →
1966 The Strolling '20s Self Flop Similar →
1966 The First World Festival of Negro Arts Himself Hit Similar →
1959 Anatomy of a Murder Pie Eye (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1956 Jazz Ball Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
1952 Solitude Self Flop Similar →
1952 Mood Indigo Self Average Similar →
1952 Sophisticated Lady Self Flop Similar →
1950 Salute to Duke Ellington - Flop Similar →
1949 Symphony In Swing - Flop Similar →
1947 Date with Duke Self Flop Similar →
1943 Cabin in the Sky Duke Ellington (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1943 Reveille with Beverly Duke - Duke Ellington and His Orchestra (uncredited) Hit Similar →
1943 Duke Ellington and His Orchestra - Flop Similar →
1942 Bli-Blip Himself Super Hit Similar →
1942 Jam Session Self - Piano Average Similar →
1942 I Got It Bad & That Ain't Good - Flop Similar →
1942 Flamingo - Flop Similar →
1941 Birth of the Blues Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
1941 Hot Chocolate Self (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1937 The Hit Parade Duke Ellington Flop Similar →
1935 Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life Self Hit Similar →
1934 Belle of the Nineties Piano Player Average Similar →
1934 Many Happy Returns Piano Player (uncredited) Flop Similar →
1934 Murder at the Vanities Duke Ellington Average Similar →
1933 A Bundle of Blues Self Average Similar →
1930 Check and Double Check Orchestra Leader Flop Similar →
1929 Black and Tan Duke Ellington Average Similar →

Duke Ellington - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Duke Ellington?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Duke Ellington is "Bli-Blip" with a rating of 8.0/10.

How many movies has Duke Ellington acted in?

Duke Ellington has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Duke Ellington?

Other notable films include "It's Black Entertainment", "Duke Ellington at the Côte d'Azur with Ella Fitzgerald and Joan Miro", and "Anatomy of a Murder".